Shooting Range in NOVA
October 10, 2006 7:41 PM Subscribe
What is the best shooting range to go to in NOVA?
I turned 18 a couple months and have been curious about visiting a shooting range. I live right by Seven Corners.
I turned 18 a couple months and have been curious about visiting a shooting range. I live right by Seven Corners.
WhereToShoot.org is a helpful resource if you're looking for range locations.
That said, my favorite multi-purpose indoor range is the NRA Headquarters Range in Fairfax. It is open to the public, well-lit, and clean. They allow rifle, pistol, and shotgun with slugs (no buckshot). Before you head over, call to confirm their hours of operation because sometimes they hold events that are not open to the public.
Shooter's Paradise in Woodbridge may be a bit out of the way for you, but they have gun rentals if you do not already have your own.
posted by jmdodd at 8:15 PM on October 10, 2006
That said, my favorite multi-purpose indoor range is the NRA Headquarters Range in Fairfax. It is open to the public, well-lit, and clean. They allow rifle, pistol, and shotgun with slugs (no buckshot). Before you head over, call to confirm their hours of operation because sometimes they hold events that are not open to the public.
Shooter's Paradise in Woodbridge may be a bit out of the way for you, but they have gun rentals if you do not already have your own.
posted by jmdodd at 8:15 PM on October 10, 2006
Gilbert Small Arms has a nice range with adjustable lighting, but you'll have to pay $8 for a limited 30-day membership and then $10 for range time, last I checked (because they county won't let them have a public range). They're just off 395 at Newington and open pretty late (like 10 or so). 21+.
Maryland Small Arms is just off the 4/Pennsylvania exit on the beltway. Not NoVA but drivable. Shorter hours (they flash the lights at 8:15), more often crowded, $15 for range time, open to the public. 18+. Women shoot free on Mondays, which may or may not interest you, but we think it's awesome.
posted by crabintheocean at 8:41 PM on October 10, 2006
Maryland Small Arms is just off the 4/Pennsylvania exit on the beltway. Not NoVA but drivable. Shorter hours (they flash the lights at 8:15), more often crowded, $15 for range time, open to the public. 18+. Women shoot free on Mondays, which may or may not interest you, but we think it's awesome.
posted by crabintheocean at 8:41 PM on October 10, 2006
Blue Ridge Arsenal out on Rt 28 and 50 is nice and they seem to have a lot of range guns you can rent if you or a friend doesn't own something.
posted by phearlez at 9:53 PM on October 10, 2006
posted by phearlez at 9:53 PM on October 10, 2006
I have nothing substantive to add about good locations, but since I am such a fan of going to the range I'll chime in with a couple of minor thoughts:
1.) Check some of the older AskMe's on the subject. There is some great information there about the first time shooting experience.
2.) Depending on if you are bringing your own gun or renting, you may want to make sure to have additional money on hand. If you decide you want to fire more than one kind of gun you will have to purchase different kinds of ammunition, and it can add up quickly.
3.) Make sure you have comfortable eyes and ears protection before you go in. The stuff they rent out is usually pretty good, but people have differently shaped heads and sometimes what they offer isn't what will work best for you. The fastest way to a miserable shooting experience is having your hearing protection not work as expected. You can usually pick up cheap but good ear plugs from any big box or sporting goods store.
4.) If at all possible, bring a friend along. Shooting is a solitary experience that is best enjoyed with the company of friends. That statement may seem contradictory, but it will make sense after an hour or two at the range.
Other than that, be safe and have fun.
posted by quin at 9:57 PM on October 10, 2006
1.) Check some of the older AskMe's on the subject. There is some great information there about the first time shooting experience.
2.) Depending on if you are bringing your own gun or renting, you may want to make sure to have additional money on hand. If you decide you want to fire more than one kind of gun you will have to purchase different kinds of ammunition, and it can add up quickly.
3.) Make sure you have comfortable eyes and ears protection before you go in. The stuff they rent out is usually pretty good, but people have differently shaped heads and sometimes what they offer isn't what will work best for you. The fastest way to a miserable shooting experience is having your hearing protection not work as expected. You can usually pick up cheap but good ear plugs from any big box or sporting goods store.
4.) If at all possible, bring a friend along. Shooting is a solitary experience that is best enjoyed with the company of friends. That statement may seem contradictory, but it will make sense after an hour or two at the range.
Other than that, be safe and have fun.
posted by quin at 9:57 PM on October 10, 2006
There is the Annandale Small Arms Range very close by. It's the first one listed here. Right off Columbia Pike, it's a small operation. It's been there forever for as long as I can remember.
posted by speedo at 7:20 AM on October 11, 2006
posted by speedo at 7:20 AM on October 11, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by bh at 7:53 PM on October 10, 2006